The MG Group

The MG Group
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff

The Wall Street Journal has perennially ranked The MG Group No. 1 in Illinois for team transactions and placed it among the Top 50 in the U.S. since 2011. With more than $1 billion in sales since its founding, The MG Group was also recognized as a Top 25 Luxury Broker in Chicago by Merchandise Mart’s LUXEHOME 25. “Our goal is to serve all of our clients’ needs, no matter the price point, location or timeframe,” says founder Mario Greco, an attorney-turned-Realtor who launched his real estate career in 2002.

A Chicago native, Mario specialized in intellectual property litigation before establishing a part-time brokerage. Today, The MG Group has 25 professionals – including dedicated of office staff – representing buyers and sellers of all property types. Annually recognized among Chicago’s Top 1 percent of Realtors since 2002, Mario explains why the team’s approach is unrivaled: “Our clients come before everything – including our personal interests – except our families,” he says. “Although all agents pay lip service to customer service, we actually provide it with exemplary market knowledge, consistent pricing accuracy, organization, attention to detail, and a ‘smart’ work ethic. This is why we stand out in the industry.”

Director of Sales J. Haakon Knutson agrees. “Clients trust me to handle one of the largest transactions in their lives, which means I owe them 24/7 dedication and attention.” Also an attorney, he leverages his negotiation skills and knowledge of contracts to his clients’ advantage. “Clients often focus on putting a property under contract without understanding all of the steps involved, but I always take time to discuss the inner workings of a transaction to make sure they’re comfortable with our strategy,” he explains. Lehigh Cohen also practiced law before transitioning careers. A former real estate attorney, his additional experience in property development and management prepared him for his current role as the brokerage’s sales and marketing specialist in the North Suburbs. His clients typically include families looking to move from the city to a suburb nearby. “It’s important that my buyers find the single-family home that fits their lifestyle,” Lehigh says. “I believe in treating clients like family.”

Broker Peter Xantheas’ background in design is useful in helping buyers and sellers utilize space in city dwellings. A former teacher, he excels at educating clients throughout each transaction. “I’m a problem solver and I believe every challenge can have a successful outcome,” he says, adding that his clients appreciate his negotiating skills and deep understanding of market trends. Peter considers the variety in his everyday experiences the “spice of life.” He is an avid supporter of HIV/AIDS charities.

Online Marketing and Social Media Manager Marisa Sanchez brings The MG Group to life online. “My purpose is twofold,” she says. “I strategically market our listings to raise visibility and to attract potential buyers, and I also give exposure to the array of services our talented team provides.” Marisa publishes and markets Mario’s weekly blog posts, promotes the company on social media, and maintains website content. “All of us here at The MG Group want to leave a lasting impression,” she says, “and I love that I get to create one for us that’s positive and unforgettable.”

Thanks to AtWater Apartments for letting us use their beautiful location for our photo shoots.